Front Office NFL Chat
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Sam Robinson
4:00
Hey everyone, hope it's been a good week. We're getting close to games mattering. Let's get started!
49ers vets
4:07
Is the risk with all their aging starters going to pay off for the 49ers? Can they afford to have a bunch of injuries and stay competitive, or is there not enough depth?
Sam Robinson
4:07
This just seems like the wrong team to be taking that risk. McCaffrey is 30 with a checkered injury history (and another full workload coming), while Kittle will turn 33 this season post-Achilles tear. Samuel I continue to view as an old 30 due to his RB usage, and Evans turned 32 this month. Even Demarcus Robinson is north of 30; Kirk will be this season. This just seems a bit much, especially for a team with the 49ers' recent injury history.

Kyle Shanahan proved last year he can win without key pieces on offense, though CMC was there the whole time for this. They're lacking 1-2 20-somethings as skill-position starters, it looks like. A lot will ride on the team being right on Stribling if/when injuries start to occur to the older vets.
Chip
4:11
This  off season it seems like there is hardly a day goes by without some player signs a contract that makes him the highest paid at his position. How about a list of players at their position and how long they lasted at the highest paid at their position ? I know it would take too long to answer in this chat but would make a good story down the road. Thanks
Sam Robinson
4:11
Hi Chip, this is a good idea. I did a form of this in my most recent Front Office post. It listed the top 10 longest-running top-of-market contracts. The most interesting one I thought was Adrian Peterson's six-plus-year reign atop the RB market in the 2010s, as that period brought the reevaluation of the position.
TC
4:18
Will Bolts be looking for guard/center help after losing Biadasz?
Sam Robinson
4:18
TC, the Bolts' three-year, $30MM deal -- matching Biadasz's Commanders terms, which is notable for a street free agent -- showed the team's interest in upgrading. But if you're having a five-man left guard battle -- imagine if one of the NFL's higher-profile teams was doing this; we'd be hearing about it nonstop -- and can't turn to one at center, it would be a little weird.

Fortunately for the Chargers, they should be able to plug in second-rounder Jake Slaughter. He was a college center who has been working with the second team there at points while in this crowded LG competition.

Slaughter at center makes too much sense, as the team will obviously have a LG option even if that position battle loses one member. LAC still has Awosika, Pipkins, Branson Taylor and, I suppose, Penning as LG options if/when Slaughter shifts to C
Duval Doug
4:27
Do you see the Jags repeating as division winners this year, or could they regress if Hunter gets hurt again?
Sam Robinson
4:27
Doug, it does look like the Jags are being slept on. Their Super Bowl odds along with Denver's appear a bit out of step with their showings last season. But I am skeptical about the Jags' chances of toppling the Texans in the division this year.

Houston adding Blankenship, Clowney, Logan Hall and second-rounder Kayden McDonald strengthens what already looked like the NFL's best defense. I'm still not sold on the O-line, but there are more options this year after the arrivals of Teller, Braden Smith and Keylan Rutledge. They'll be my AFC South pick.

I'm fascinated to see Hunter as a near-full-time CB. I thought that was his better Colorado position. That about-face from JAX is interesting, and they are thinner at CB than WR. I think Campanile did a lot with a middling (talent-wise) unit last year; EPA/play ranked JAX's defense third. CB is a vulnerable area (perhaps a depth trade is necessary?), but Campanile has a good shot to be a 2027 HC hire. Keeping him will help protect against some regression.
walterj23
4:32
Will Broderick Jones be a Steeler come week 1 or are there teams needing a Tackle that can play left and a little right ?
Sam Robinson
4:32
Hey Walterj, teams are always on the lookout for proven O-line help. I'm not sure I'd put Jones in that category due to his pre-injury struggles at both spots. I think there's a high likelihood of Jones being off the roster by this time next year, but Pittsburgh would be selling pretty low if a trade happened before this season started.

Having a player who has made starts at both spots, like you mentioned, would be a good swingman option -- even if his first-round status would make that scenario disappointing for both team and player -- in the event Fautanu goes down again or Iheanachor needs more development.

Considering Iheanachor does not have much experience, I think it'd be tough to see the Steelers moving on this early.
TD-Machine
4:41
Do you think the Harbaugh-McDaniel pairing will work for the Chargers this year?
Sam Robinson
4:41
Two Chargers questions today; big. I am high on the Bolts this year. Their earned injury reputation obviously brings caution in showing too much faith, but McDaniel was the busiest name on the interview circuit this offseason. HC/OC interest abounded. The upgrade from Roman to McDaniel could be massive, and the Chargers have one of the NFL's most talented QBs (have not sold my Herbert stock despite the January woes).

I don't love the Chargers' guard situation, but they have Slaughter as C insurance and their tackles (for now, at least) are healthy. I also am a big Keaton Mitchell guy; he is a great complement to Hampton. A 2023 Achane-like role for Mitchell would be pretty scary if LAC keeps Slater and Alt healthy.

While I think the Broncos' roster is stronger overall -- the Chargers' defense warrants closer inspection than the offense IMO due to Minter's exit -- the Bolts can close the gap due in large part to better offensive game plans. If only there was any semblance of a home-field advantage here.
Unclemike1526
4:49
Not worried about any of the Bears injuries yet exactly except Bryant obviously hurt. As far as Gordon goes they won without him last year and I'm sure they can do it again. My question is As far as moving Gordon before cut down day goes what are the odds they can move him before then? The goal not being any return except the Cap relief this year and the ability to add. They save 13 million and a new team can walk away from him next year just like the Bears can. Can they do it early? Thanks Sam!
Sam Robinson
4:49
Hey Unclemike, this is somewhat similar to the Broderick Jones question from earlier. The Bears just haven't seen much availability since extending him at the slot-record rate (pure slots, whereas this offseason -- via the Witherspoon and McDuffie deals -- put hybrids in a different category). I can't see the Bears landing anything close to full value based on where Gordon's been the past two years.

He still does not have a timetable to return from the calf injury, and missing 14 games last year will further scare teams. Plus, with the Bryant injury affecting the secondary as a whole, this does not look like the greatest time for Chicago to be stripping away DB talent. But the clock is ticking on Gordon. Reserve/PUP is starting to look like where this goes next.
Bledsoe2Moulds46
4:56
The Bengals are understandably getting a lot of hype after their offseason moves. Joe Burrow is talking like it's Super Bowl or bust. I know it's rare for the Bengals to fire anyone, but is it fair to say Zac Taylor is under more pressure than any other HC?
Sam Robinson
4:56
Considering the job security the Cincinnati HC position has brought for most of this century, I think I'd place Taylor behind Bowles, Quinn and maybe Steichen on that list. Taylor also is signed through 2027. That matters more to this particular franchise than most, helping the HC's cause.

But you're not wrong to question Taylor's status. Having missed the playoffs three straight years with a top-five QB would have led most clubs to fire the coach. The 2024 season can be viewed positively and negatively for Taylor, as his offense dominated but defense fell apart to restrain the team.

He is about out of excuses, though. Like an AFC Cowboys doppelganger, Cincy threw everything it had investment-wise at its defense this offseason. It seems like now or never here, but Burrow backed Taylor last year. That should not go overlooked given his organizational sway.
The Ghost of George Young
5:08
Hey, Sam. Will there be any decent Cornerbacks available around cut down day(?) week (?) via trade or waivers?  As a Giants fan, I am concerned that the team will be stuck starting Adebo and Banks again, which will result in back breaking conversions. Is there a chance that Baltimore parts ways with Marlon Humphrey or Green Bay moves on from Carrington Valentine?  If so, at what prices?
Sam Robinson
5:08
Some depth pieces will be available on cut day, but the Giants did heavy work at the position by bringing in Newsome and Hood this offseason. I'm curious about the Banks emergence as well, but if he's suddenly startable again (by a new staff at that), that'd seemingly be a win for the Giants. Though, you'd be right not to be too comfortable.

Valentine is a name to keep an eye on due to the Packers' Cisse second-round choice and St-Juste signing, and the Ravens have fielded calls on 2024 fourth-rounder T.J. Tampa. The Harbaugh-Humphrey connection is certainly one to monitor, but Minter also coached him during his previous Baltimore stint. Not sure I'd be ready to unload him yet.

Calling the Broncos on Kris Abrams-Draine could be worthwhile, as he is locked into a CB5 spot (though, an all-in team would not be inclined to move parts), but with NYG having added Newsome and Hood, I think staying the course will be how this plays out.
Braves fan since 1968
5:16
Any chance the Vikings make the playoffs this year
Sam Robinson
5:16
I think so, yes. They somehow finished 9-8 last season despite using McCarthy and an aging, injury-battered Carson Wentz. The O'Connell-Kyler fit is a bit unorthodox, but the Vikings have a clear talent upgrade there. And adding Jauan Jennings to their WR room will boost their cause. There is a lot to like here.

Brian Flores being embroiled in his discrimination lawsuit against the NFL (and essentially off-limits as an HC hire) is working in Minnesota's favor. He is among the best defensive minds in the game; the Vikes ranked third in defensive EPA/play in 2024 and fourth last year. Minnesota's defense can be trusted, and if Murray is a big upgrade on McCarthy (how can he not be based on the evidence we have?), this is certainly a playoff contender.

The NFC North also draws the NFC South and games against the Jets and Dolphins this season. Although the NFC West will assuredly have at least one wild-card team, the schedule draw makes the North potent.
M’s Fan
5:19
First ever Dynasty draft 12 team league with super flex. 2.7 should I reach for Herbert or take Lamb, Hampton,  Archane, or Cook? I already have Chase
Sam Robinson
5:19
Hey M's Fan, I do dabble in fantasy, but I don't think I can offer particularly strong advice on superflex due to having never played that format. But best of luck in your draft! Dynasty leagues are highly recommended.
Sam Robinson
5:20
We'll wrap there for today. Have a good weekend, everyone! Hope your teams' regulars can make it through preseason week 2 unscathed
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